Lorry on fire following collision

Update 5.40pm – Tuesday 5 July 2022:

The Southbound carriageway has been reopened.

Lane four of the Northbound carriageway has also been opened, but lanes one, two and three remain closed.

One appliance and crew from Broughton currently remain at the scene.

Five appliances and crews and one officer are currently at the scene.

Attending appliances are from:

• West Ashland
• Newport Pagnell
• Broughton
• Northamptonshire

A lorry is currently on fire on the M1. It had overturned onto its side and shed its load of building supplies following a collision with a car transporter.

The driver of the lorry was out when the firefighters arrived and is being cared for by South Central Ambulance Service.

The firefighters are using four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets.

Thames Valley Police has stopped traffic on the northbound carriageway, and closed three lanes of the southbound carriageway.

There is currently very heavy traffic on the motorway in both directions, with long delays and tailbacks expected to last into this evening. Drivers planning to use the motorway today are advised to try and avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible.